Part 3: Plant Classification

Characteristics of Sedges and Rushes

Sedges and rushes are grass-like plants that sometimes are confused with grasses. Here are some distinguishing characteristics for both:

Sedges:

• Have parallel leaf venation but no nodes on the stems like grasses.
• Often have solid stems that are triangular in cross-section.
• Leaves are usually flattened and appear in three rows on the stem.

Rushes:

• Have parallel leaf venation but no nodes on the stems like grasses.
• Have stems that are either hollow or pithy, and are usually rounded and unbranched below the floral parts.
• Have leaves that are usually near the base of the plant and may be either round or flattened.